As a mechanism that protects new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity, the USPTO is at the cutting edge of the nation's technological progress and achievement.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. In doing this, the USPTO fulfills the mandate of Article I, Section 8, Clause 8, of the Constitution that the legislative branch "promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." The USPTO registers trademarks based on the commerce clause of the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). Under this system of protection, American industry has flourished. New products have been invented, new uses for old ones discovered, and employment opportunities created for millions of Americans. The strength and vitality of the U.S. economy depends directly on effective mechanisms that protect new ideas and investments in innovation and creativity. The continued demand for patents and trademarks underscores the ingenuity of American inventors and entrepreneurs. The USPTO is at the cutting edge of the nation's technological progress and achievement.
The USPTO advises the president of the United States, the secretary of commerce, and U.S. government agencies on intellectual property (IP) policy, protection, and enforcement; and promotes the stronger and more effective IP protection around the world. The USPTO furthers effective IP protection for U.S. innovators and entrepreneurs worldwide by working with other agencies to secure strong IP provisions in free trade and other international agreements. It also provides training, education, and capacity building programs designed to foster respect for IP and encourage the development of strong IP enforcement regimes by U.S. trading partners.
Learn more about the men and women who lead the USPTO.
Learn more about the directors of our regional offices.
The various offices within the USPTO serve specific functions, both to the general public and the organization itself.
The USPTO has multiple offices located throughout the United States. Our headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia.
Discover the rich history of the USPTO through the biographies of the people who have led the agency since 1802.
Major current initiatives of the Office of the Undersecretary.
Upcoming events
News & Updates
USPTO issues patent number 11,000,000
WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today officially issued U.S. patent number 11 million, recognizing an important milestone in American innovation and ingenuity. “This momentous benchmark is a reminder of the remarkable and enduring tradition of American innovation...
USPTO releases updated study on participation of women in the U.S. innovation economy
WASHINGTON - The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today released “Progress and Potential: 2020 Update on U.S. Women Inventor-Patentees,” a follow-up to its 2019 report on U.S. women inventors. The new report updates the previous findings based on a review of an additional nearly one...
Commissioner for Patents Drew Hirshfeld appointed to a second five-year term
WASHINGTON—The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced that Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has reappointed Commissioner for Patents Drew Hirshfeld for a second five-year term. Commissioner Hirshfeld’s original term was set to expire this July. “I am pleased to reappoint...
USPTO announces Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program
WASHINGTON — The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced plans for the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) to begin accepting petitions for expedited resolution of ex parte appeals. The “Fast-Track Appeals Pilot Program” launches July 2, 2020. The required petition fee is...
USPTO seeks nominations for Patent and Trademark Advisory Committees
WASHINGTON — The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking nominations to fill upcoming vacancies for the Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC) and Trademark Public Advisory Committee (TPAC). Nominations must be postmarked or electronically transmitted on or before July 31, 2020...
USPTO announces COVID-19 Prioritized Examination Program for certain trademark and service mark applications
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced a new COVID-19 prioritized examination program for certain trademark and service mark applications. Under this new program, the USPTO will accept petitions to advance the initial examination of applications for marks used to...
USPTO launches platform to facilitate connections between patent holders and potential licensees in key technologies
WASHINGTON — The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today unveiled a new web-based intellectual property (IP) marketplace platform, Patents 4 Partnerships, to provide the public with a user-friendly, searchable repository of patents and published patent applications related to the...
USPTO announces extension of certain patent and trademark-related timing deadlines under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
WASHINGTON - The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today announced extensions to the time allowed to file certain patent and trademark-related documents and to pay certain required fees. These actions are an exercise of temporary authority provided to the USPTO by the Coronavirus Aid...
USPTO and Mexican Institute of Industrial Property launch new worksharing arrangement
WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) agreed to launch a new worksharing arrangement that will accelerate the process of obtaining a patent in Mexico for businesses and individuals already in possession of a...
David Gooder appointed USPTO Commissioner for Trademarks
WASHINGTON – The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced today that U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has appointed David Gooder to be the new Commissioner for Trademarks. As Commissioner, Gooder will be responsible for oversight of all aspects of the USPTO’s Trademarks...